Abhinavagupta and Rituals

Many people argue that rituals are of great importance to Abhinavagupta. This is probably true but I would add that "internal rituals" were far more important to him than "external". Examples of this are many, here is one:

"At the beginning of religious vow (vrata) and mantra repetition and also at the end of these two, one, having completed sacrifice (yāga), should consecrate oneself according to the prescribed rules. If one lacks required material for worship one should do/create it mentally, (this is possible) because this entire universe is firmly established in mind. (Quoted by Jayartaha, from Vājasineya Tantra, in his commentary on TĀ 13: 143cd-144cd)"